Richard Dopheide

Richard C. Dopheide (Dick) of Mattawan, 87, passed away Monday June 4, 2018 at Rose Arbor in Kalamazoo, MI. He battled a genetic form of Emphysema for many years. Dick was born September 15, 1930 in Chicago, IL. The second son of the late Pearl M. and Carl R. Dopheide. He moved to Mattawan with his parents in 1944. He graduated from Mattawan High School, class of 1949. Dick was a Korean war veteran, a sergeant, and Wire Team Leader in the 40th Division 160th Infantry Regiment serving as a field Wireman in the Kumsong and Heartbreak Ridge battles. He proudly served with the Grenadiers of his youth, in a country of rugged mountains, riverbed valleys, and sharp ridge lines that were never forgotten. In 2001 he helped form the first platoon reunion in Las Vegas after 50 years. He enjoyed seeing all those old faces and hearing those voices of so long ago. He married Marlene Beebe October 13, 1956 and had four children: Gayle (Harold) Urbanik, Grant, Kelly, and Chris (Terri) and two grandchildren, Lindsey and Megan. They established Westview Farm south of Mattawan, and owned it for 35 years. It was one of the first U-Pick farms in the area. Dick was a planter and gatherer, and loved working with his family and growing fruit. He played in the soil as a boy, he fought in the soil as a soldier, he worked with the soil as a farmer, he lived in the soil in his retirement, and he now rests in the soil forever.He is survived by his brother William (Jane) Dopheide of Belfast, Maine, and two nieces and a nephew (Kate, Mark, and Marcia) and his faithful dog Rags. Dick was grateful for the assistance of the VA and Hospice doctors and nurses, and family friend Rick Baker. The burial will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek, MI (family only) at a later date. The family welcomes family and friends to stop by a Celebration of Remembrance, Wednesday June 20th 3-7pm at the Lawton Community Center, for a meal and the sharing of memories. Memorials may be made to the Mattawan Cub Scouts or the Disabled American Veteran's (DAV).